Lightning Book Promotions: "Voices in the Valley" by Suravi Sharma Kumar Book Review

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Against the backdrop of a politically turbulent Assam, a young girl named Millie is determined to make her voice heard. She spends her childhood in a rural set-up with seven sisters, three anxious matriarchs and a resigned father this is what her small world is all about.

Born in a family of priests, she struggles with orthodoxy and convention, and goes on to become a student leader something which only foreshadows the bigger role she is destined to play. A flawed horoscope delays her marriage, but hastens her emancipation. Her tryst with romance is overwhelming, and sweeps her off her feet, but…

Ethnic clashes, militant activities, violent elections disturb the countryside, otherwise home to several tribal communities, lush tea gardens, exotic orchids, sundry birds, one-horned rhinos and much more.

What has been said about Voices in the Valley

“I have read the book twice. In my frank opinion, it’s an excellent work of literature. Use of Grammar is complex and comprehensible. This book will be categorized as a classic and if the academic and literary community can be persuaded, it may well be accepted for an English prose or non-detail text for English educating students.” ~Dr. Naresh

“Prose style is poetic and lucid.Hope to see the book go up and make a mark in the literary circle.” ~Srinu Rao

“A lyrical piece of work with intelligent observations written with detailed research.” ~Junali Barman


Voices in the Valley by Suravi Sharma Kumar
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well, this book was very difficult for me to get into.  I love historical fiction, and I know virtually nothing about India.  But what made this difficult is that you have to know something about India to fully appreciate this book.  Some of the names were difficult to read, and even some of the Indian words were a little unusual.  I wish that I could have understood everything because it is clear that the author has put her heart and soul into this tale, plus a lot of research.

What I did find interesting was the political unrest and even religious unrest that is a part of India.  All I really knew about India was the caste system and Calcutta--as well as the British colonization of it.  This book showed me that terrorism, Islam, violence, and much more are things that these people face regularly.

There was one sex scene--that was not detailed--and some minor profanity, but none of that ruined the story for me.  I just wish I had the Indian background to truly appreciate this piece of literature.  It is not an easy read, and I truly think it takes some time to delve into the meat of this novel.  I would recommend that anyone who wishes to read this book should go into with the idea that this is not a light read--it is a heavy read that requires you to engage your brain.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.


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About Dr. Suravi Kumar

Suravi Sharma Kumar is a doctor by profession but has always been fascinated by the world of literature. What inspired her to write this book was the fact that most of mainland India is still unfamiliar with the country s Northeast and is unaware of its innate beauty. This is her first book and is based on her research and experiences in the valley.

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